Northwestern Science Olympics - November 2012 – Descriptions for the Activities

JUNIOR (Grades 9 & 10)

Event #1 – Models of Cells

Teams spend 20 minutes using materials provided to build a labelled model of an animal and/or a plant cell. Teams then make an oral presentation to the judges to describe key structural components. Materials chosen enable teams to demonstrate their creativity and knowledge.

Event #2 Long Distance Runner

Teams construct a balloon-powered vehicle using the materials supplied. The goal is to make the vehicle that travels the greatest distance on the gym floor. Teams will make two judged attempts. The team with the best attempt gains the highest score.

Event #3 - Race to the Molecules

Teams communicate to build molecular models. Photographs of completed molecular models, e. g. SO2 (sulphur dioxide) or C6H6CH3 (toluene), are placed in the hallway. A team member communicates details of the structure to their team, who use the components to build that model, which will be checked by a judge.

SENIOR (GRADES (11 & 12)

Event #1 – Ferme Questions

Fermi questions are well-defined problems solved through estimation and approximation. Teams solve 25 problems in 40 minutes. The event takes place in the gym. Calculators, computers, or any other device, including crib sheets, lists of constants, formulae, etc., are not permitted. Pencils and scratch paper are provided. There is a local focus to some of the questions. For guidance and examples look at the FermiGuide off the Earth Systems Research Systems website.

Event #2 - INDYcator 500

Teams use a range of indicators to measure the pH of three unknown liquids. They are provided with buffer solutions of known pH values and work to get precise values for the pH of all three unknowns in the lowest time possible (different from last year's Junior version).

Event #3 – Models of Cells

Teams spend 20 minutes using materials provided to build a labelled model of a biological macro-molecule (One of DNA, RNA or a protein such as Myoglobin). Teams make an oral presentation to the judges to describe key structural components. Materials chosen enable teams to demonstrate their creativity and knowledge.

Common Event #4 Balloon Plane Launch

Teams in both divisions design a paper plane and helium balloon launch system. The plane that is airborne the longest wins!